Stephen Jones discloses the Dallas Cowboys’ NFL free agency strategy.

As the Dallas Cowboys approach the 2025 NFL free agency period, one of the most anticipated events of the offseason for the franchise, Stephen Jones, the team’s executive vice president and director of player personnel, has revealed the organization’s strategy for navigating the market. Known for his methodical and pragmatic approach to team-building, Stephen Jones’ comments give fans, analysts, and competitors a clearer picture of how the Cowboys plan to make moves to improve their roster. Given that the Cowboys have consistently been in playoff contention under head coach Mike McCarthy, the challenge in 2025 is not about rebuilding but fine-tuning and enhancing a roster that is already primed for a Super Bowl run.

The Cowboys’ approach to free agency has often been scrutinized, especially because the team has not made the type of splash signings that some other franchises have, preferring to focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term headline-grabbing moves. In 2025, however, Stephen Jones has made it clear that the team will take a more aggressive, yet strategic, approach. The Cowboys are not just looking for depth pieces but are actively targeting key positions to solidify the team’s championship aspirations. Here’s an in-depth look at Stephen Jones’ free agency strategy and what Cowboys fans can expect as the market heats up.

A Balanced Approach: Smart Investments, Not Just Big Names

One of the biggest revelations in Stephen Jones’ comments was his commitment to balancing long-term roster building with immediate needs. While many teams in the NFL approach free agency with the goal of signing high-profile names to headlines, Jones has emphasized the Cowboys’ focus on smart investments, looking for players who fit into the team’s system and culture rather than chasing star power for the sake of it.

“Free agency is about more than just finding the biggest names,” Jones stated. “We want to target players who complement what we’re already doing. We’ve got a good foundation in place, and it’s about finding the right pieces to complete the puzzle.”

Jones made it clear that while they will always keep an eye on top-tier players in free agency, they won’t make moves simply to appease fans or media speculation. Instead, the Cowboys will look for players who can make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball, provide depth, and have the right attitude and work ethic to fit into the culture established under McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

This is a crucial shift in mentality. In previous years, the Cowboys were often criticized for failing to address glaring needs in free agency, especially when it came to high-profile positions like wide receiver, defensive tackle, or safety. In 2025, however, Stephen Jones emphasized that the team’s roster is close to being a true contender, and now the goal is to add complementary pieces, not necessarily overhaul positions.

“We’re in a place now where we’ve built a strong roster with guys like Dak (Prescott), Micah (Parsons), CeeDee (Lamb), and Trevon (Diggs),” Jones continued. “Our focus is on adding the right veterans who can help push us over the top. We’re in ‘win-now’ mode, but that doesn’t mean reckless spending. It’s about making the right choices and being disciplined.”

Key Areas of Focus: Strengthening the Defensive Front

As the 2025 free agency period looms, one area where Stephen Jones and the Cowboys are expected to be particularly active is along the defensive line. The Cowboys’ defense, under Dan Quinn, has been one of the team’s greatest strengths in recent years, but a few gaps remain that could potentially hinder the team’s ability to compete with elite offenses in the playoffs.

Specifically, the Cowboys are looking to bolster their interior defensive line. Although they have talented edge rushers like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, the middle of the defensive line has been a point of vulnerability at times. A strong, disruptive force in the middle could free up Parsons and others to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stop the run with greater consistency.

“We’ve got a fantastic pass rush on the edges, but we need to get stronger in the interior,” Jones explained. “Whether it’s adding a veteran defensive tackle who can collapse the pocket or a versatile lineman who can play multiple roles, we’re going to make sure we’re solid in the middle.”

The Cowboys have several options in free agency, with high-caliber defensive tackles like Javon Hargrave (San Francisco 49ers), Fletcher Cox (Philadelphia Eagles), and Daron Payne (Washington Commanders) potentially available. These types of players would instantly provide a boost to Dallas’ run defense while allowing Parsons and Lawrence to focus more on pressuring the quarterback. Stephen Jones noted that while the Cowboys may not target the absolute top names on the market, they will be looking for a player with the right fit, rather than simply going after the most expensive option.

“The key is getting the right fit for what we do,” Jones said. “It’s not just about spending big. It’s about finding someone who can come in and immediately contribute.”

Wide Receiver: A Targeted Upgrade, Not a Rebuild

While the Cowboys have a solid receiving core, with CeeDee Lamb emerging as the clear No. 1 option, Stephen Jones has acknowledged that adding another playmaker to the wide receiver room is a priority for the 2025 offseason. In particular, the Cowboys are looking to add a reliable second or third receiver who can complement Lamb’s skills and provide Dak Prescott with more weapons in the passing game.

The Cowboys have been criticized in the past for not providing enough help for Lamb, especially after Amari Cooper was traded to Cleveland and Michael Gallup struggled with injuries. While Gallup has the potential to be a solid contributor, the Cowboys realize that they need more consistency and depth at the position. The emergence of rookie Jalen Tolbert has been promising, but Dallas wants to add a veteran presence who can take some of the pressure off Lamb.

“We feel good about CeeDee and what he’s brought to the table, but we’re always looking for ways to add more firepower,” Jones said. “It’s not about getting a big name, but someone who can come in and contribute right away.”

The Cowboys could pursue a variety of options, including players like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Allen Lazard, or even a trade for a player like DeAndre Hopkins, who could instantly upgrade the receiver room and give Prescott another weapon to work with. Jones made it clear that the Cowboys aren’t seeking a “superstar” but rather someone who can seamlessly integrate into the team’s offensive system and provide a reliable target for Prescott.

“The key is making sure the guy we bring in fits into what we do offensively,” Jones added. “We don’t need a high-maintenance player; we need someone who understands the offense and can contribute when called upon.”

Offensive Line Depth: Protecting Dak Prescott

Another area of focus for the Cowboys in free agency will be adding depth to the offensive line. While Dallas boasts a strong front five, injuries and age have taken a toll on the unit, particularly with Tyron Smith entering the twilight of his career and Zack Martin dealing with minor injury concerns in recent seasons. The Cowboys have already begun making moves to fortify the line through the draft, but adding a veteran depth piece who can step in and provide stability is a key part of their strategy.

“We’ve got a strong offensive line, but we can always improve,” Jones stated. “Injuries happen, and we want to make sure we have the depth to protect Dak and open lanes for the running game. A strong O-line is the foundation of a successful offense, and we want to keep that as one of our priorities.”

The Cowboys have been linked to several potential free agents, such as former Pro Bowl guard Ben Powers (Baltimore Ravens) or tackle Mike McGlinchey (San Francisco 49ers), who could come in and provide valuable depth at crucial positions.

Secondary Help: The Pursuit of a Ball-Hawking Safety

One area that could see the Cowboys make a more aggressive push in free agency is the safety position. While the Cowboys have a solid secondary with Trevon Diggs at cornerback and young players like DaRon Bland and Kelvin Joseph emerging, their safety play has been inconsistent at times. Adding a playmaking safety, particularly one who excels in coverage and ball-hawking, could be the missing piece that propels the defense to an elite level.

“We’ve been looking for that ball-hawking safety who can help us create turnovers and solidify the back end of the defense,” Jones explained. “We’re not just looking for a tackler; we want someone who can read the quarterback’s eyes, create disruption, and add another layer of playmaking.”

Names like Jessie Bates III (Cincinnati Bengals) or Jordan Poyer (Buffalo Bills) could be in play. These types of players would not only bolster the Cowboys’ secondary but would also provide a reliable presence in the defensive backfield to complement the team’s aggressive pass rush.